Refractive Errors

For the eyes to function properly, light has to be refracted, or bent, by the cornea and the lens. A refractive error is considered to be a defect in the shape of the eye that causes improper bending of the light. This error can result in blurred or fuzzy vision.

 

Refractive errors are very common vision problems, and include conditions such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism (blurred vision at all distances) and prebyopia (difficulty focusing on close objects). They can develop at any age and may change over time.

While glasses or contact lenses can correct refractive errors, some people may benefit from laser eye surgery or other advanced treatments. The highly trained ophthalmologist at Houston Methodist specialize in refractive errors and can determine the best treatment option for you based on your needs and lifestyle, as well as the type of error you are experiencing.

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The Four Types of Refractive Errors

Girl reading from tablet
Myopia
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is when distant objects appear blurry, while close objects are clear.
Man holding medicine bottle
Hyperopia
Hyperopia, or farsightedness, is when close objects appear blurry, while distant objects may be clearer.
Girl holding specs
Astigmatism
Astigmatism causes blurred or distorted vision at all distances due to an irregularly shaped cornea or lens.
Man reading a book
Prebyopia
Prebyopia is difficulty focusing on close objects, typically age-related and noticeable after age 40.
People can have any combination of these errors, which can worsen — or improve — as you age. The term 20/20 is used to describe normal vision, defining the ability to see objects clearly at 20 feet away. When it becomes more difficult to see objects that are far away, the measurement increases in such a manner that someone with 20/80 vision must be 20 feet from an object that someone with normal vision sees at 80 feet.
Treating Refractive Optic Errors

Treating Refractive Optic Errors

Refractive errors are commonly treated with glasses or contact lenses. Surgeries have also become increasingly popular with a procedure called LASIK. Most surgical techniques will either change the curvature of the cornea or use an artificial lens to correct vision.

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